The World's Largest Veterinary Practice Hits the Road with New Red Star® Rescue Vehicle, Hosting Emergency Preparedness Clinics as Hurricane Season begins Throughout the Northeast

(HealthNewsDigest.comm) - PORTLAND, Ore., May 29, 2014 -- With the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season bearing down on the Northeast, beginning June 1, Banfield Pet Hospital and American Humane Association will mobilize its new, 50-foot Red Star(®) emergency rescue vehicle to ensure pet owners and their pets are prepared to weather the storms ahead. As evidenced by the thousands of pets displaced in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, natural disasters and weather events can be a serious threat to pets that may become injured or lost in the destruction and chaos. Banfield Pet Hospital and the American Humane Association will embark on a tour of the Northeast, beginning at the Jersey Shore in Holmdel, N.J. on June 3, followed by Philadelphia on June 5 and ending in Washington D.C. on June 9, offering free emergency preparedness clinics for pet owners as well as tours of the Red Star truck.

Banfield Pet Hospital Emergency Preparedness Tour Schedule:

-- Tuesday, June 3 in Holmdel, N.J. -- Thursday, June 5 in Philadelphia, Pa. -- Monday, June 9 in Washington D.C. (Alexandria)2014 HURRICANE PREDICTIONSAs predicted by top forecasters at Colorado State University, the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans June 1 through November 30, is expected to include nine tropical storms; of which, at least three are expected to develop into hurricanes[1].

"As a practice, Banfield strongly believes that preventive veterinary care is the best medicine," said Dr. George Melillo, Northeast regional medical director for Banfield. "In the case of hurricanes and other natural disasters, preventive care comes in the form of preparation. Our veterinary professionals are excited to partner with American Humane Association and go on tour in key locations, raising awareness of the steps pet owners can take to prepare, and the services available to them to ensure the safety of pets during weather-related events."

PET SAFETY STARTS WITH PREPARATIONDuring each tour stop, local pet owners will be invited to join veterinarians from Banfield Pet Hospital and the Red Star Emergency Services team from American Humane Association to learn helpful tips and tactics to ensure pets' safety if ever displaced or lost in a disaster, as well as what to do in the case of an emergency or injury, including the following:

-- Getting pets microchipped is a must -- it is the fastest way to be reunited with a pet should s/he become separated during a natural disaster. The first 25 attendees at each clinic will receive a voucher good for a free microchip for their pet. -- Have a pet carrier or crate available for each pet in the family -- familiarize pets with the crate ahead of time in case they need to be transported on short notice. -- Create a small disaster kit for pets -- include a week's supply of food and water, medications, a leash and a toy.Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to tour the newest member of American Humane Association's rescue fleet, Red Star presented by Mars Petcare US, makers of Pedigree(®) Food for Dogs. The truck, which was unveiled late last year, is specifically designed and outfitted to provide a wide array of emergency services for pets and families throughout the Northeastern United States in times of disasters and will be staffed by four certified and specially-trained responders, carrying supplies and equipment to shelter up to 100 animals, and bringing animal-assisted therapy to children and families. The vehicle, sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital, Lois Pope and Zoetis, was dedicated to the region so it may respond to emergencies quickly in the entire Northeast area.

"Red Star brings help and healing to those affected by tragedies, including major weather events," said Justin L. Scally, national director of American Humane Association's Red Star Emergency Services. "This new rescue vehicle is a major investment in the families, children and animals of the Northeast, and we're eager to familiarize pet owners with the services we can provide while also helping to promote pet disaster preparedness."

About Banfield Pet Hospital(®)Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today it is more than 850 hospitals strong in neighborhoods across the United States and Puerto Rico. More than 2,900 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans(®). For journalists seeking more information, visit banfield.com or contact the Media Hotline at 888-355-0595.

About American Humane AssociationAmerican Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.